Newington Court Rejects Student Bid, Upholds Co-Ed Plans

A legal challenge to prevent Sydney’s Newington College, a 162-year-old private boys’ school, from becoming co-educational has been dismissed by the New South Wales Supreme Court. The challenge, brought by a current student known as Student A, argued that the school's original 1873 charitable trust restricted enrollment to boys, interpreting the term "youth" accordingly. Justice Guy Parker ruled that the term "youth" in the trust deed was gender-neutral and did not mandate male-only enrollment, allowing the school to proceed with admitting girls starting in 2026. The decision was met with disappointment from some parents and alumni who oppose the move, citing tradition and the original intent of the trust. Despite protests and emotional appeals, including from alumni, the court's ruling effectively ends the legal opposition to Newington's co-education plans. Student A was also ordered to pay legal costs, though the amount has yet to be determined.